Some patients aren’t suitable candidates for LASIK surgery, but there are other alternatives available for those still looking to improve their eyesight. One of the most promising of these alternatives is Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery. ICLs are surgically placed behind the iris and function the same way regular contact lenses do. They compliment the eye’s natural lens for vision improvement, feeling completely natural once it’s in place. ICL surgery is considered one of the safest and most effective alternatives to LASIK surgery.
Both LASIK and ICL surgery are designed to improve vision affected by astigmatism and nearsightedness. They also both carry some of the same risks, including infection, overcorrection and undercorrection. With both types of surgery, some patients may not be able to achieve perfect vision and may have to continue using corrective eyewear.
One major difference between LASIK and ICL surgery is that LASIK is permanent, whereas ICL can be reversed. LASIK surgery involves the permanent removal of tissue from the cornea. In contrast, ICL surgery involves the implantation of a lens that can be removed at a later time if necessary. ICL can also treat severe refractive errors, something LASIK isn’t able to do.
LASIK surgery has many benefits, including most importantly the freedom from corrective eyewear. Patients can immediately enjoy activities they weren’t able to prior to surgery. LASIK is the most sought after vision correction surgery, with millions of procedures being performed in the United States every year. LASIK is also less invasive and significantly less expensive than
ICL surgery, which typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per eye. LASIK only costs between $500 and $2,500 per eye.
Patients who choose to undergo ICL surgery can also enjoy a variety of benefits, the biggest of which is that patients no longer have to depend on glasses or contacts to enjoy most activities. ICLs are safe and effective alternatives to LASIK surgery for people who don’t make suitable candidates for LASIK, including patients with thin corneas, large pupils or dry eyes. ICL surgery can also correct high refractive errors like severe nearsightedness, and it won’t permanently change the shape of your corneas as with LASIK surgery. The results with ICL are reversible. If the patient’s eyesight changes dramatically, the ICLs can be removed or replaced with new ones. Patients can feel more at ease undergoing ICL surgery knowing that the outcome is not permanent.
Before choosing between these two types of surgery, talk to an eye surgeon to determine which one is right for you. The surgeon can address any questions or concerns you may have about both procedures and can discuss other alternatives to LASIK surgery.
